Whether you’re seeking employment, applying for travel visas, or requesting bank loans, you’ll probably want to know what comes up during a background check. The information on your criminal record may include all arrests, convicted or not, as well as both felony and misdemeanor charges. Although the information included on an individual’s criminal record varies by state, all states allow you to view your criminal record to check for content and accuracy, and it’s important to know what typically appears on a criminal record.
Criminal records always include basic demographic information such as an individual’s full name, date of birth, known aliases, current and previous addresses, and arrest dates for felony and misdemeanor crimes. Arrests or convictions for violent crimes including rape, robbery, aggravated assault, sexual assault of a minor, physical abuse of a minor, simple assault (often involving domestic violence), and murder will be documented on an individual’s criminal record, and the possibility of expungement is highly unlikely.
Almost all jurisdictions will have dangerous traffic crimes documented on an individual’s criminal record. Traffic crimes such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and driving without a license will almost always be included on a criminal record. Non-criminal traffic violations such as speeding tickets and parking citations are generally excluded from your criminal record.
Certain property crimes will also be included on a criminal record. A list of property crimes that will appear on a background check includes arson, forgery, vandalism, burglary, theft, fraud, embezzlement, shoplifting, destruction of property, and motor vehicle theft. More severe charges will appear on an individual’s record when the offense results in injury or death, and the value of the property damaged or stolen may also be included.
Other crimes such as possession of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacture of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, and public intoxication will be included on a criminal record. Criminal acts such as disorderly conduct, vagrancy, and loitering are typically, but not always, included on an individual’s record. Civil judgments including lawsuits, creditor actions, and bankruptcy matters will not be included on a criminal record.
You may attempt to have your criminal record expunged. If you meet the criteria, certain crimes are permanently removed from your record. Call Easy Expunctions to discuss your eligibility and options!
